Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
I am so unbelievably exhausted and I don't even understand why. I only stayed up until around 12 to finish Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, which was exquisite in my opinion. I keep waking with the impression that my dreams were about it, which, if anything, should tell me that it will probably stay with me for years and years to come.
For a good summary, I'd recommend a look at the official site. Right now I think I'll just wax philosophical on my general impressions.
What really got to me was the mood of the book. The novel itself is broken up into three parts: Mr Norrell, Jonathan Strange, and John Uskglass. True to their names, the three sections take on a mood to suit their particular characteristics: Mr Norrel is stuffy, emotionally-distant, and prone to lecture, but still fascinating (in a somewhat morbid way); Jonathan Strange is clever, imaginative, wry, and leaves you peculiarly exhilarated at every turn; John Uskglass (a.k.a. the Raven King) is mysterious, chaotic, and dark, with an overpowering air of magic permeating throughout. It gave the book a unique flow and also an indirect look into the core of their characters.
I love the way the magic is just there. It's a vital part of the plot, the way that it has always been there, and always will be there, yet it takes great men to make people see it. It's part of the history of that world, part of England's sayings, styles, and airs. It's imbedded in the rain and the trees and the stones. And Susanna Clarke has this aspect of magic intricately woven into real-life English history, to the point where I found myself wondering, unable to pinpoint where the magic ended and the history began.
And like every good book I've read, I was absolutely and completely involved in the characters. I was as frustrated as Lady Pole and Stephen, as nervous as Norrell, and as dogged as Strange. I was surprised to find I came out an adamant Strangite (I suppose you have to read the book to understand this). Even though I feel I understand both characters’ motivations, I can't help feeling compelled to that party's stance. And to Strange himself I suppose, which might have given me a bias. ^^;;
In any event, I think this was a great book, not only on the novel level, but also on the writers' level, in that I believe it's improved my own execution and style. I really appreciate books that speak to me on both planes and this one, certainly, hit right on the money.
I'm off to go read random HanaKimi chapters, eat dinner, and hopefully get to bed early. I'll need all my wits about me tomorrow. Can't have myself having hallucinations of Lost Hope while in the middle of my Bio midterm! ^^;;
For a good summary, I'd recommend a look at the official site. Right now I think I'll just wax philosophical on my general impressions.
What really got to me was the mood of the book. The novel itself is broken up into three parts: Mr Norrell, Jonathan Strange, and John Uskglass. True to their names, the three sections take on a mood to suit their particular characteristics: Mr Norrel is stuffy, emotionally-distant, and prone to lecture, but still fascinating (in a somewhat morbid way); Jonathan Strange is clever, imaginative, wry, and leaves you peculiarly exhilarated at every turn; John Uskglass (a.k.a. the Raven King) is mysterious, chaotic, and dark, with an overpowering air of magic permeating throughout. It gave the book a unique flow and also an indirect look into the core of their characters.
I love the way the magic is just there. It's a vital part of the plot, the way that it has always been there, and always will be there, yet it takes great men to make people see it. It's part of the history of that world, part of England's sayings, styles, and airs. It's imbedded in the rain and the trees and the stones. And Susanna Clarke has this aspect of magic intricately woven into real-life English history, to the point where I found myself wondering, unable to pinpoint where the magic ended and the history began.
And like every good book I've read, I was absolutely and completely involved in the characters. I was as frustrated as Lady Pole and Stephen, as nervous as Norrell, and as dogged as Strange. I was surprised to find I came out an adamant Strangite (I suppose you have to read the book to understand this). Even though I feel I understand both characters’ motivations, I can't help feeling compelled to that party's stance. And to Strange himself I suppose, which might have given me a bias. ^^;;
In any event, I think this was a great book, not only on the novel level, but also on the writers' level, in that I believe it's improved my own execution and style. I really appreciate books that speak to me on both planes and this one, certainly, hit right on the money.
I'm off to go read random HanaKimi chapters, eat dinner, and hopefully get to bed early. I'll need all my wits about me tomorrow. Can't have myself having hallucinations of Lost Hope while in the middle of my Bio midterm! ^^;;